On the courts, grey hair rules: padel, the favorite sport of those over 40

We imagined padel as the ideal playground for urban youth in search of a trendy sport. Yet, behind the global explosion of the discipline lies another reality: People in their forties, fifties, and retirees are its most faithful practitioners today. . An almost unique paradox in the modern sporting landscape: the fastest growing sport in the world is attracting above all a generation that competitive sport had often left behind. What if the success of padel stemmed precisely from that?

A sport where experience takes precedence

The figures confirm this trend. In 2022, the average age of competitive padel players reached 37 years old for men and 40 years old for women. Even more striking: 37% of the competitors are between 45 and 64 years old.

In France, the photography is similar. According to the Observatory of Padel 2025, produced by the Union Sport & Cycle and the French Tennis Federation, The average age of practitioners is around 40 years old, with a particularly strong core in the 30-55 age group.

Padel therefore attracts a settled, loyal, and regular audience. While other sports struggle to retain their players after 40, padel seems, on the contrary, to become more attractive with age.

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A discipline designed to last

It's no coincidence that so many seniors are drawn to this sport. The very structure of padel It is perfectly suited to bodies that have already accumulated several years of sports practice... and sometimes some aches and pains.

Studies reported by the French Tennis Federation show that padel generates between 30 to 40% less joint impact than traditional tennis For players suffering from knee, hip or ankle problems, the difference is considerable.

The smaller court (20 meters by 10) limits long and repetitive movements. The underhand serve significantly reduces strain on the shoulder. As for the glass walls, they provide extra reaction time, completely changing the dynamics of the game.

The result: many former tennis players, forced to abandon their sport due to injuries or physical wear and tear, rediscover with padel the pleasure of competition and the game.

A sport that's good for the body... and for the mind

The benefits of padel are not limited to the joints. Regular exercise also improves cardiovascular fitness Two weekly sessions are already enough to strengthen the heart muscle and promote better blood circulation.

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicate that moderate physical activity such as padel can reduce systolic blood pressure by 5 to 7 mmHg in hypertensive individuals.

But one of padel's greatest strengths is undoubtedly its social aspect. Playing in pairs requires constant interaction: communication, teamwork, and collective strategy. At an age when social isolation sometimes becomes a major issue, this dimension takes on considerable importance.

Many players also report improved sleep, reduced stress, and a general feeling of well-being since incorporating padel into their routine.

Why is padel the ideal sport after 40?

The clubs are adapting to this new reality

Faced with this growing population of senior players, clubs are beginning to structure their offerings. Dedicated time slots, veterans' tournaments, specific courses for beginners over 50 : Senior padel is gradually becoming a real market segment.

This evolution is not surprising. The game relies more on tactics, positioning, and reading the game than on pure power. Experience therefore plays a central role.

In Spain, the leading European country for padel, this trend is already firmly established: according to the Spanish Federation of Padel Near half of 110,000 registered members are over 39 years old .

The success of padel among seniors can also be explained by a simple promise: to continue practicing an intense, competitive and friendly sport, without suffering the physical damage often associated with more traumatic disciplines.

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Padel has succeeded where few sports manage to do: bringing back to the courts players who, due to age, had gradually distanced themselves from sports practice.

In an era where sport often values youth, explosiveness, and immediate performance, padel offers an almost reassuring counter-model. Here, game intelligence, rhythm management, and experience can compensate for physical limitations.

And on some courts, being 55 is no longer a disadvantage . That's sometimes what makes the difference.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!